I’m going to a new school next year. I’m going into seventh grade, and I feel like I need a change. Does going to a new school mean I can change my style and my personality a little? I want to change the way I feel about myself. I don't just want to fit in. I want to stand out in a good way. In school now people see me as the normal girl (kinda smart, kinda good at sports, kinda outgoing). But now I want to be the popular girl with guys falling for me. How do I do it?

Hey Girl! Thanks for writing! Starting a new school can be exciting and scary at the same time. I understand how you feel. I went to the same all-girls’ school from first to eighth grade, then switched to a co-ed school for high school. I remember thinking I wanted to revamp myself, too. In the end, I learned that, yes, it’s a good time to try new things, but I didn't need to change who I was to be popular. There are plenty of other ways to stand out and make friends without changing who you truly are!

Start Stylish

It's cool to try out some new colors and trends, but make sure you feel comfortable in them. Don't buy clothes you think "popular girls" would wear -- get clothes you really love. A good test is picturing yourself wearing that outfit out the very next day. If you think you might feel weird wearing it, it probably isn't you.
If you have a uniform at your new school, get some cute accessories like headbands, earrings, scarves, and fun socks to spice up a dull uniform.

Stay Positive

Be positive about the change that is around you. If you're smiling, people will be drawn to you! Try to stay out of gossip as much as you can, and be nice to everyone. Friend groups can change a lot in seventh grade, and the people you'll want to be friends with later on might surprise you.

Meet New People

Use this opportunity to try out all the different groups. Sit with different people at lunch every day the first week. Join clubs and sports teams that interest you! Get to know a bunch of different people. By the time you figure out who loves you for who you really are, you'll be super interesting and have a lot going on. Not to mention, you might get more confident in those abilities you say you're "kinda" good at, like school, sports, and being outgoing.

Soon enough, you'll have tons of friends and guys who like you because you are happy with yourself. Enjoy being the new girl! People will be really excited to meet someone new.

Make it known that I am very available and dying to go, and hope you crush picks up on the cluesWalk up to my crush and ask him to be my date. I’m not just gonna sit around and wait for Prince CharmingMy BFF and I have vowed to be each other's dates to spare us the embarrassment of not getting askedYou won't see me attending any dances with these two left feet!